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This makes no sense. The motor pushes the washer out, a spring retracts it back in. His was stuck in the open position - what would the motor have to do with this?

Checking Bentley, as far as I can tell, headlight washers deploy as a plunger forced out by washer fluid pressure. If the pump is weak, there you are - can be a motor but is more likely degraded pump operation - seals etc. Headlight washers are a diff system than windshield washers though they may share fluid in the reservior.

But if a retractable washer's sticky, poss a plunger seal condition, it can not deploy well or may not retract. Temperature will def have an effect, warmer temps allowing a more flexible seal.

Checking Bentley, as far as I can tell, headlight washers deploy as a plunger forced out by washer fluid pressure. If the pump is weak, there you are - can be a motor but is more likely degraded pump operation - seals etc. Headlight washers are a diff system than windshield washers though they may share fluid in the reservior.

But if a retractable washer's sticky, poss a plunger seal condition, it can not deploy well or may not retract. Temperature will def have an effect, warmer temps allowing a more flexible seal.

Obviously, ice is an issue.

Note: Headlight washer jets are replaceable, not a diff job.

Yes, but he had mentioned that his are getting stuck in the open position. Thus, the motor is doing its job of pushing them out with pressure - the retraction, as far as I can tell, has nothing to do with the motor.

Yes, but he had mentioned that his are getting stuck in the open position. Thus, the motor is doing its job of pushing them out with pressure - the retraction, as far as I can tell, has nothing to do with the motor.

Yes, but he had mentioned that his are getting stuck in the open position. Thus, the motor is doing its job of pushing them out with pressure - the retraction, as far as I can tell, has nothing to do with the motor.

There is no motor in the washer assemblies. The washers are extended by hydraulic pressure from the washer fluid pump and retracted by an internal spring. I replaced/serviced a few of these--they were prone to leaks on the E46--and it's a pretty simple and elegant little mechanism.

They can get hung up for the reasons Cal noted. Lubrication is not normally required but there are always exceptions. OP probably developed a bit of ice, or maybe salt buildup, in a critical spot that later resolved itself.